Which credential identifies nurses who have national specialty certification?

Which credential identifies nurses who have national specialty certification?

• A. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• B. Advanced practice nurse (APN)
• C. Nurse practitioner (NP)
• D. Certified (C)

Answer: (C)

National specialty certification is a credential earned after completing advanced education and passing a certification exam in a specific practice area. The Nurse Practitioner designation best signals that level of national recognition because it represents the advanced practice role that almost always requires national certification in a specialty (such as pediatrics, family, etc.). The Master of Science in Nursing is a degree, not a certification. Advanced Practice Nurse describes the level of practice, not a specific credential. The word “Certified,” by itself, is too vague to indicate the professional scope or specialty. So, the Nurse Practitioner credential most clearly indicates that the nurse has achieved the national certification that defines advanced practice.

National specialty certification is a credential earned after completing advanced education and passing a certification exam in a specific practice area. The Nurse Practitioner designation best signals that level of national recognition because it represents the advanced practice role that almost always requires national certification in a specialty (such as pediatrics, family, etc.). The Master of Science in Nursing is a degree, not a certification. Advanced Practice Nurse describes the level of practice, not a specific credential. The word “Certified,” by itself, is too vague to indicate the professional scope or specialty. So, the Nurse Practitioner credential most clearly indicates that the nurse has achieved the national certification that defines advanced practice.